Activity Ideas for Taranaki
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The Taranaki War 1860-63 – activities for NCEA 3 History See also NZ in the 19th Century in the Classroom (NZHistory.net.nz) A. Paragraph writing Essays are an important part of external assessment in history. Good essays are based on joining sentences together as coherent paragraphs that tackle different components of the essay question. A good essay must have good paragraphs. Each key idea in your essay must be written as a new paragraph. It is in your interests that the marker can see quite clearly where each idea begins and ends. It is sometimes helpful to think of a paragraph as having a set layout: a sentence that outlines what the paragraph is about – a topic sentence sentences to support the topic sentence a sentence to conclude the paragraph. In this way a paragraph mirrors the structure of an essay. One reason for using this layout is that a lot of markers will skim read your essay first for signs that you have understood the question and that the material is relevant. They will then look at your essay more closely. Anything you do to create a positive first impression can only help. In preparation for an essay that will examine a significant historical situation in the context of change (Achievement standard 3.5) write a series of paragraphs in which you: Describe the different methods employed by Maori in resisting the attempts by the Crown to purchase Maori land during the 1850s. Describe the impact of a growing non-Maori population on Maori. Evaluate to what extent the actions of Wiremu Kingi can be seen as an attempt to assert or maintain Te Ati Awa’s sovereignty in Taranaki. Evaluate Governor Gore Browne’s decision to go to war in Taranaki. Was this a war he should have avoided? Describe the attitude of settlers in Taranaki towards Maori in the build up to and during the fighting that occurred 1860-63. Explain why the Kingitanga became involved in the conflict To what extent was the fighting in Taranaki primarily a ‘land war’? B. Practice essays Achievement standard 3.5: examine a significant historical situation in the context of change The Taranaki War was a significant situation for New Zealanders in the 19th century. Describe the developments that occurred in Taranaki during the 1850s that led to the outbreak of war in March 1860. Evaluate the influence of these wars on Te Ati Awa and settlers during the early 1860s. Remember structure is important: A good essay must have good paragraphs. Each key or new idea in your essay must be a new paragraph. Think of a paragraph as having a set layout: o a sentence that outlines what the paragraph is about o sentences to support the topic of the paragraph o a sentence to conclude the paragraph. Use the structure outlined below to help you write your answer. Introduction – write an opening paragraph that: identifies the Taranaki War as a significant situation for New Zealand in the 19th century introduces your argument about the significance of this issue. Body – write structured and sequenced paragraphs that: describe the historical context of the Taranaki War and apply terms, concepts and/or ideas related to this issue examine changes, trends and patterns over time related to the Taranaki War evaluate ways in which the Taranaki War influenced people in the historical context. Conclusion – write a concluding paragraph that sums up your main ideas and argument and links them to the focus of the essay. You should aim to write about 600–800 words. For more detail on this achievement standard and criteria open this Word document from the NZQA website Examine a significant decision made by people in history, in an essay Regarding the Pekapeka block, Governor Gore Browne believed that more was at stake than ‘a comparatively valueless purchase’. Explain the factors that led to his decision to ignore Wiremu Kingi’s objections and proceed with the purchase. Evaluate the consequences of this decision for Maori and settlers. Remember structure is important: A good essay must have good paragraphs. Each key or new idea in your essay must be a new paragraph. Think of a paragraph as having a set layout: o a sentence that outlines what the paragraph is about o sentences to support the topic of the paragraph o a sentence to conclude the paragraph. Use the structure outlined below to help you write your answer. Introduction – write an opening paragraph that: identifies the significance of the Crown’s decision to purchase the Pekapeka block at Waitara. introduces your argument about the significance of this decision. Body – write structured and sequenced paragraphs that: describe the decision to purchase the Pekapeka block and the historical context in which this decision was made describe and explain factors that contributed to this decision evaluate the consequences of this decision describe and evaluate views of this decision by contemporary commentators and/or historians. Conclusion – write a concluding paragraph that sums up your main ideas and argument and links them to the focus of the essay. You should aim to write about 600–800 words. For more detail on this achievement standard and criteria open this Word document from the NZQA website C. Both sides of the argument Briefing paper for the Colonial Office Imagine you are Governor Thomas Gore Browne. It is August 1859. You have been asked to prepare a briefing paper for the Colonial Office in London on the progress of the war in Taranaki. The Colonial Office is responsible for determining British policy regarding its colonial possessions and the running of the British Empire. There has been an increase in the number of Imperial troops involved in this war. The new Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, the Duke of Newcastle, is concerned about what has been an increase in costs associated with this war. He wants not only a progress report on the campaign to date but having only been in the post for two months is also seeking an explanation as to why war broke out in the first place. In preparing this report you are also conscious of the fact that you may need further Imperial investment in bringing matters to a successful conclusion. So your report must be written in such a way as to prepare the Colonial Office for the possibility that more expenditure may be needed. Your colonial masters are busy people so are seeking a concise report that gets to the point quickly. You are advised to write no more than 500 words. Wiremu Kingi’s position In April 1860 Governor Thomas Gore Browne wrote to both Te Teira and Wiremu Kingi in a bid to bring the sale of the Pekapeka block to its conclusion. Imagine that you are Wiremu Kingi Te Rangitake. You have just received a letter from the Governor in which he has repeated his willingness to accept Te Teira’s offer to buy the Pekapeka block. He has also indicated that he believes you have no customary rights to this land as you were living at Waikanae when European settlers first arrived. In your written response to the Governor: outline why you oppose the sale of any land at Waitara why you reject Te Teira’s offer in particular why you reject the Governor’s claim that you have no customary rights to land at Waitara D. Settler opinion Either: It is late November 1860. Conditions in New Plymouth have deteriorated and disease has claimed a number of lives in the town. There has been some recent success on the battlefront at Mahoetahi but overall there is no clear sign of a breakthrough. Major General Pratt has overseen the evacuation of a number of the province’s settlers to Nelson, including your wife and three children. You have remained as you are a member of the Taranaki Militia. In a letter written to the editor of the Taranaki Herald outline what you believe should be the next step in bringing this war to a conclusion. You are allowed to use a pseudonym for the purposes of this letter. And/or: It is late November 1860. Conditions in New Plymouth have deteriorated and disease has claimed a number of lives in the town. There has been some recent success on the battlefront at Mahoetahi but overall there is no clear sign of a breakthrough. Major General Pratt has overseen the evacuation of a number of the province’s settlers to Nelson, including your wife and three children. You have remained as you are a member of the Taranaki Militia. In a letter written to family in Devon, England, describe the events of the year and what you believe should be the next step in bringing this war to a conclusion. E. Editorial The Taranaki Herald was the first newspaper published in Taranaki, the first edition appearing on 4 August 1852. Although not always accurate, the Herald was an important source of information on the war and its conduct. Its editorials also presented an opportunity to comment on the management of the war by the government and military hierarchy. Imagine that is Christmas 1860. You are preparing an editorial that reviews the progress of the war to date. You have decided to focus on the leadership of the Imperial forces since the outbreak of war in March. How would you assess the efforts of firstly Colonel Gold and his successor Major-General Thomas Pratt? What do you believe is required to achieve the breakthrough needed for victory as an unhappy year draws to an end? F.